Photographie: Felipe Echeverría - Santiago Barcacel
The VIII FIFUSA Futsal World Cup continues to progress, and this afternoon Brazil secured its place in the tournament final after an exciting 3-2 victory against Argentina. The goals for Brazil were scored by Leonardo Dorado (#8), who netted twice, and Jeferson De´Oliveira (#11). For Argentina, the goals came from Jeremías Asencio (#11) and Gaspar Batiz (#10).
In the first semifinal, the two most traditional South American teams delivered a thrilling performance, with "Canarinha" prevailing over "Albiceleste" in a match filled with excitement, goals, and tension.
From the kickoff, both teams aimed for an offensive game. The early minutes saw an aggressive Argentina, while Brazil sought opportunities on the counter-attack. However, in the 5th minute, Leonardo Dorado (#8) opened the scoring for Brazil with an outstanding individual play on the right wing, beating two Argentine defenders and finishing with a powerful shot.
With the lead, Brazil continued pressing, and at 8 minutes, a header from Luis Junior (#4) after a long pass from goalkeeper Jhonatan Lima (#12) nearly extended their lead, but the crossbar denied the second goal. Argentina, meanwhile, began gaining ground with a strategy of passing and teamwork, trying to break through Brazil’s defense.
At minute 14, a head collision between Fabián Laulleta (#2) from Argentina and Leonardo Dorado (#8) from Brazil resulted in a yellow card for the Argentines, adding tension to the game. Despite Argentina's efforts, they couldn’t equalize before halftime, even when Diego Vargas (#9) had a clear chance, hitting the crossbar.
In the second half, Argentina came out with more intensity, aiming to reverse the score. However, in the 4th minute, Brazil’s goalkeeper Jhonatan Lima (#12) made a crucial save after a powerful shot from Diego Koites (#4). Despite the Argentine pressure, Brazil extended their lead in the 8th minute with a goal from Jeferson De´Oliveira (#11), finishing off a play initiated from the left wing.
Brazil's third goal came in the 12th minute when Leonardo Dorado (#8) scored again after an Argentine defensive mistake, allowing him to easily find the back of the net and make it 3-0. Argentina didn't give up, and with the entry of Gaspar Batiz (#10), they pulled one back in the 14th minute through a right-footed strike by Jeremías Asencio (#11).
Three minutes later, Batiz scored again, reducing the deficit after a series of passes that brought Argentina closer on the scoreboard. The match ended intensely, but Brazil withstood the final pressure and secured their place in the FIFUSA World Cup final.
Lineups:
BRAZIL: Coach: Edilson Saaveira
Jhonatan Lima
Luis Junior
Rafael Rodriguez
Matheus Quaggio
Leonardo Dorado
ARGENTINA: Coach: Armando Corvalán
Juan De Lucia
Matías Carciamo
Diego Koites
Fabián Laulleta
Diego Vargas
Substitutes:
BRAZIL:
Walace Da Silva
Jeferson De´Oliveira
Sidney Lima
Luis Da´Silva
Gabriel Teixeira
Vicente Bras
Matheus Dos Santos
ARGENTINA:
Tomás Civelli
José María Carrizo
Jesús Sánchez
Santiago Verón
Gaspar Batiz
Jeremías Asencio
Augusto Ríos
FIFUSA Press